Pittsgrove Township marks National Night Out with celebration at Green Branch Park

View full sizeStaff photo by Paul LutesTricia Miller, left, and Chase Carty, 2, talk to Target employees at the Target Volunteers booth that were there to promote involvement in the community at Pittsgroveâs Third Annual National Night Out at Green Branch Park on Wednesday evening.

PITTSGROVE TWP. — Not even the rain could stop the third annual Pittsgrove National Night Out celebration as hundreds of people flocked to Green Branch Park Wednesday to take part in the festivities.

The event, sponsored by the Pittsgrove Township Recreation Advisory Committee and MAPSA, is held annually to promote neighborhood safety and police-community partnerships.

Business vendors and non-profits organizations also shared information with residents cultivating a pure Pittsgrove community atmosphere Wednesday night.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our local police and fire departments,” said Mayor Linda DuBois. “They have never let us down and are always here asking us what we need and how they can help.”

National Night Out is a worldwide program and designed over 20 years ago to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

The National Night Out event took place here from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Green Branch Park located on Upper Neck Road.

Local fire departments and EMS personnel opened up their trucks and equipment for public viewing. Salem County Prosecutor Detectives were also on hand talking to the public.

New Jersey State Police demonstrations included a helicopter landing. “Sidney,” the drunk go-cart simulator, K-9 squads and various mascots were also made available to residents.

After a night full of fun, the event was scheduled to be rounded out by a spectacular fireworks display.

Newfield resident Sherri Gorrell said she brings her children, Sophia, 11, and Sammy, 13, to National Night Out every year.

“I want to show my support for local police,” said Gorrell. “They do so much for the community and it’s only right to come out and thank them.”

Sophia and Sammy said they like to come and see the K-9 demonstrations put on by the Salem County Sheriff’s Office.

Newfield resident Kristina Zemanik, 12, said she comes out for “the free stuff.”

A potpourri of free items were given out by entities like New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, American Red Cross, Department of Children and Families and other local agencies.

“It really is a group effort putting this event on, and it provides a great outlet for the community to get face to face positive contact with local law enforcement,” said Salem County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Sean Phillips.

New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Barracks Trooper Matt Cocking echoed the comments made by Phillips.

“I think sometimes the public forgets we are human beings just like them,” said Cocking. “This event gives them a chance to interact with us.”

DuBois also noted the importance of this event as two Neighborhood Watch Groups (Green Branch Park Watch and Brotmanville Neighborhood Watch) were established as a result of National Night Out.

Intelligence gathered from these watch groups has led to an improved quality of life in the watch locations as well as arrests of suspects for ordinance violations, trespassing complaints, possession of CDS, disorderly persons complaints, and stolen ATVs.